The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on the 11th of August 2024 organised a stakeholder validation workshop to review the National Cultural Policy at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), Accra. The funding for the review process was provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the European Union (EU).
Mr. John Yao Agbeko, the Ministry’s Chief Director, welcomed all stakeholders on behalf of the Minister. He thanked the Cultural Review Committee members for the work done on the policy. He also appreciated everyone present for accepting to be part of the validation and said that further recommendations are welcomed from all and sundry.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey expressed his delight to see such a diverse and committed group present at the gathering and united by a common goal to shape the future of our nation’s cultural landscape. He added that as we embark on this review process, we are not just revisiting a policy but reaffirming our commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural essence that defines us as a people.
Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon. Minister and the committed team under the chairmanship of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng who worked tirelessly on this policy document for many months. He said that the policy is not just a document, it is a living framework that must be adapted to suit the evolving needs of our society and country at large.
He concluded by advising that we must all remember that culture is dynamic and ever evolving. Our policy must therefore be flexible enough to accommodate changes while steadfastly upholding our core values and traditions. He added that he is confident that together, we will craft a policy that will strengthen our cultural identity and support the growth of our creative industries.
Mr. Edmond Moukala, the Country Director for UNESCO said that the stakeholder validation marks an important moment in the cultural history of Ghana, a country rich in heritage, creativity, and diversity. He added that UNESCO and the UN’s collaboration with Ghana in promoting the creative industries is not a fleeting commitment but a deeply ingrained collaboration that celebrates and reinforces the very fabric of Ghana’s cultural landscape.
He accentuated that digitization plays a critical role in preserving heritage and scientific resources. Therefore, beyond tourism, digitization fosters social development and cultural awareness enabling broader participation in digital technology and cultural heritage. He advised that the policy must support the growth of Ghana’s cultural and creative industries through strategic investment, skill development, and strong intellectual property protections.
Mr. Moukala concluded his speech by saying that no policy is meaningful unless it is implemented. He added that culture should be mainstreamed into all development plans and advised that the Ministry promote opportunities for cultural diversity as Ghana’s future and prosperity depends on its culture.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Irchad Razaaly, the European Union’s Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Margo Pitura, a representative of the ambassador, said that the European Union supported the revision of the 2004 National Culture Policy from the onset because they found it to be an excellent initiative. She emphasized that it is crucial and important to seize the new advancements and opportunities for the country’s cultural and heritage industry.
Mrs. Pitura stressed on digitalisation and technological advancement as being two major things on the agenda of the validation workshop with regards to the revision of the 2004 Cultural Policy and added that Ghana will continue gain its stance as an already a renowned cultural and heritage destination.
Nana Kwasi Gyan Apenteng, Chairman of the Cultural Review Committee introduced all members of the review committee. He said that their job was to gather information around the country and placed it into perspective and content. He added that the document will work for Ghana’s arts and cultural industry. He further thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for trusting them to review the 2004 Cultural Policy.
There was an opportunity given to stakeholders to ask questions during the plenary session and to make suggestions and bring their contributions to bear on thematic areas in the policy.
Present at the workshop were the representatives of Spanish, Mexican, Republic of Saudi Arabia and United Emirates Embassies in Ghana.
Source: MOTAC PR UNIT
